Acura RDX

We miss the more tightly wound first-gen RDX, but the second generation brings a more elegant design and a softer ride, both of which appeal to the car-buying masses. As with the bigger, three-row MDX, the RDX exclusively employs a 3.5-liter V-6 and a six-speed automatic transmission with standard front- or optional all-wheel drive. Ride and handling are far from sporty, but straight-line performance is good, and cylinder deactivation contributes to commendable fuel economy.